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Collaging about Life and Death, Fears & Revelations

Join us as we put tangible “art,” in the form of collage- making, into the Art of Aging and Dying conversations.

The Eclipse will have just passed. The light will have returned. We will continue our regular on-going conversations grappling with our own mortality and the inevitable passing away of those we love. Through the art of informal collaging we will each explore where we are in this on-going amazingly LIFE-enhancing process. Who knows what will be revealed. There will be time for sharing for those who want to.

Bring magazines for cutting up and special items to add to your own or others’ creations. We’ll have tag board to play on as well as scissors, glue and collage materials.

Fee is $5. We suggest an extra few dollars for materials.

If you’d like to be on an email list for the Art of Aging and Art of Dying announcements, email telaskinner@gmail.com

The Art of Aging/of Dying Series is a program of the Hoffman Center of the Arts and will be held at the Hoffman Center (across from Manzanita Library at 594 Laneda Ave).

“The Shamanic Aspects of Death:
How Other Cultures Approach Death’s Mysteries”
– a presentation by Lane deMoll for the Art of Aging/of Dying series

Death is a mystery that our culture has not dealt with very well. In fact we tend to “sweep it under the rug” as if by not talking about it, death will somehow not touch us personally. This has not served us, and may, in fact, be the root of a lot of psychological and social problems.

How do “native” shamanic cultures live with the knowledge of death and in many cases actually prepare themselves to die? There are those in Andean and Amazonian South America and Central America and Africa as well as India and other Buddhist & Hindu countries who treat death very differently than we do. So did the ancient Egyptians. Partly their perspectives and experience lie in their understanding that the soul lives on and returns to this world over and over. And partly it’s because they practice their deaths via initiation rites, vision quests, shamanic journeying, yoga asanas and more.

Join in a conversation with Lane deMoll who has been exploring this question for the past twenty years, especially in her visits to tombs and temples of ancient Egypt and on shamanic journeys to Peru, Guatemala and Chiapas, Mexico.

If you’d like to be on an email list for the Art of Aging and Art of Dying announcements, email telaskinner@gmail.com

The Art of Aging/of Dying Series is a program of the Hoffman Center of the Arts and will be held at the Hoffman Center (across from Manzanita Library at 594 Laneda Ave). For more information contact Lane deMoll at lane@nehalemtel.net

Carolyn will read from her book Tough Girl and lead a discussion about aging adventures, going for new (or old) dreams and creating a practice that supports those dreams.

Carolyn will share thoughts about aging, readings from her journals along the Camino related to aging, “coming to terms with being alone and being frightened of being alone.” She’ll raise ideas of the value of “practice,” what we choose to practice we get good at. What are you choosing?

Carolyn will share a short writing prompt for participants to write down their own dreams of activities/trips they still want to pursue.

Carolyn Wood is living a life worth reading about. An Olympic swimming champion at age 14 and a slowly emerging gay person in an earlier, less understanding era, she has been resolutely the “Tough Girl” of her book title. Beautifully written, the book artfully weaves her life story around the tale of her long walk on the Camino de Santiago, an effort to understand and accept the end of a decades-long marriage. This memoir could easily become a favorite of American literature teachers and their students. —George Vogt, Retired Executive Director, Oregon Historical Society

A life long Oregonian, Carolyn grew up in southwest Portland and attended Beaverton High School. In the summer of her freshman year she competed and won a gold medal in swimming at the 1960 summer Olympics in Rome. She raced nationally and internationally for three more years before attending the University of Oregon.

After graduation in 1967, Carolyn began a thirty-five year career teaching high school English, first at her alma mater, then at Lake Oswego, Glencoe and Wilson high schools. During that time she earned a Masters of Social Work and an MS Education from Portland State University. A fellow of the Oregon Writing Project, Carolyn wrote with her students over the years, attended writing workshops and retreats, published a poem here and an essay there and promised herself that someday she’d “pull those writings together and tell her story.” In 2010 she began to write TOUGH GIRL: An Olympian’s Journey, her first book.

Even though Carolyn remains deeply rooted in Oregon, life’s journeys have taken her far: working as governess for the Robert Kennedy family the year after the senator’s murder, backpacking throughout the Oregon and Washington Cascades, exploring Europe, Africa, India and Asia, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, trekking in the Himalayas and Alps, walking a thousand miles across France and Spain on the Camino de Santiago. Volunteer work after retirement with Habitat for Humanity International, Medical Teams Northwest (Mexico), Wilderness Volunteers, and Coffee Creek Corrections have furthered her education. These days her explorations include yoga and meditation as well as gardening and bee keeping.

The Art of Aging/of Dying Series is a program of the Hoffman Center of the Arts and will be held at the Hoffman Center (across from Manzanita Library at 594 Laneda Ave). For more information Kathie Hightower at kathiejhightower@gmail.com

If you’d like to be on an email list for the Art of Aging and Art of Dying announcements, email telaskinner@gmail.com

“The Stuff of Family Life: How Our Homes Reflect Our Lives: Sociologist Shows What Your Underwear Drawer Can Reveal About You” special presentation for the Art of Aging/of Dying series

In a special event sociologist Michelle Janning will continue the discussion MaryRuhl started about the significance of objects in our lives. The event is part of the Art of Aging/of Dying series and will be held at the Hoffman Center for the Arts in Manzanita. Admission fee is $5.

Sociology Professor Michelle Janning offers a timely look at how modern society and technology shapes our relationships and our lives. Like an archaeologist studying ancient civilizations through the things they left behind, Janning excavates contemporary life through our houses and possessions, from childhood stuffed animals and security blankets to retirement homes and senior living centers.

Janning takes readers through the stages of life – from dating and marriage to parenting and aging – that are usually kept behind closed doors. From online valentines to the growing popularity of “man caves,” The Stuff of Family Life looks not only at what large demographic studies say about family dynamics but also what our lives—and the stuff in them—say about how we relate to each other.

Janning has joked, “I am not a sociologist who uses large national datasets to illustrate family life; I’m the sociologist who asks people to examine what’s in their underwear drawers and living rooms to tell stories about their family life.” Using amusing anecdotes, as well as drawing on pop culture, economics, interior design, gender studies and more, Janning combines the educational with the entertaining to make The Stuff of Family Life accessible to both casual readers and dedicated students of sociology.

Michelle Janning is professor of sociology at Whitman College. A board member of the Council on Contemporary Families, she specializes in family and gender studies and cultural sociology. She has conducted numerous community-based projects, given keynote presentations, and performed consultancies that have given her a deeper understanding of the everyday lives of different types of families. Her work has been published in academic sources such as the Journal of Family Issues and the Journal of Divorce and Remarriage, and she has been quoted in popular media such as Women’s Health and Real Simple.

For more information contact Kathie Hightower at kathiejhightower@gmail.com

If you’d like to be on an email list for the Art of Aging and Art of Dying announcements, email telaskinner@gmail.com

The Art of Aging/of Dying Series is a program of the Hoffman Center of the Arts and will be held at the Hoffman Center (across from Manzanita Library at 594 Laneda Ave). Further information is available at www.hoffmanblog.org online or contact Tela Skinner, at telaskinner@gmail.com

“The Things We Keep: Exploring the Significance of Objects in Our Lives
Art of Aging/of Dying series
Hoffman Center for the Arts in Manzanita
Tuesday | July 11 2017 | 3 to 5pm

Mary Ruhl will guide us into and through a discussion about how our valued possessions hold meaning for us through life transitions. The event is part of the Art of Aging/of Dying series and will be held at the Hoffman Center for the Arts in Manzanita. Admission fee is $5.

Many of us have experienced changes in our recent lives, moving to a new home, a new town, or the loss of loved ones. Often these changes require us to sort through our “stuff” or someone else’s. Faced with decisions about emotional, historical, family and economic value of objects, how do we decide which to keep, which to part with? What are the significant stories attached to some of these objects, and how might we capture these stories?

You are invited to bring a “keeper” object that has meaning in your life, and to share the story attached to it with the group. As time allows, we will discuss ideas about making downsizing decisions, considering the value of possessions and archiving family stories around these significant objects.

“ We find it familiar to consider objects as useful or aesthetic, as necessities or vain indulgences. We are on less familiar ground when we consider objects as companions to our emotional lives or as provocations to thought.”– Sherry Turkle, Evocative Objects: Things we Think With

Mary Ruhl downsized homes twice before moving to Manzanita three years ago. She holds a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies/Gerontology. Mary’s Master’s thesis work investigated the question of whether cherished personal objects support identity for persons transitioning to assisted living. Before retirement, she was a research assistant at OHSU’s Layton Center for Aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Previous to her work as a gerontologist, Mary was a graphic designer, photo art director and photo stylist – arranging objects, text and images to impart meaning and messages.

If you’d like to be on an email list for the Art of Aging and Art of Dying announcements, email telaskinner@gmail.com

The Art of Aging/of Dying Series is a program of the Hoffman Center of the Arts and will be held at the Hoffman Center (across from Manzanita Library at 594 Laneda Ave). Further information is available at www.hoffmanblog.org online or contact Tela Skinner, at telaskinner@gmail.com

Michael Rossato-Bennett’s movie ALIVE INSIDE will be shown at 3:00 on Tuesday, 27 June at the Hoffman Center for the Arts in Manzanita. Admission is $5. There will be a discussion following.

ALIVE INSIDE is the documentary about Dan Cohen’s amazing work of giving Alzheimer’s and dementia people music from their youth. Some instantly came back to our reality and were able to reconnect with loved ones. Some got up out of their wheelchairs and began to dance around the room. Some who rarely talked began to sing beautifully. Michael Rossato-Bennett does an excellent job of honoring these elders and their liberator, telling the story with many examples of the revitalizing power of music from one’s youth. Alive Inside was the most awarded documentary of 2014.

Turn Up the Music In Your Life! Presentation for the Art of Aging/of Dying series at the Hoffman Center for the Arts in Manzanita on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 from 3 to 5 pm.

Jodi Winwalker, LCSW,MT-BC, of Earthtones Music Therapy Services will inspire you to explore the joy of music and researched reasons for including more music in your life. You’ll learn about exciting brain research in recent years, and the ways music can prevent or delay brain aging.

As part of the Art of Aging series at the Hoffman Center for the Arts in Manzanita Jodi Winwalker offers a dynamic and engaging presentation on how and why the aging brain needs music. This is a rare opportunity to explore singing, movement and playing simple instruments that will inspire you. No prior musical experience is necessary to enjoy and benefit from this session. Admission for the presentation is $5.

Jodi Winwalker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board Certified Music Therapist, and founder and CEO of Earthtones Music Therapy Services, LLC. She is a popular and entertaining presenter with over 35 years of experience developing music therapy programs for children, adults and seniors.

Earthtones Music Therapy. (Heidi Hoffman Photography)

Her company, Earthtones, is a university-affiliated internship site for graduating music therapy students from Marylhurst University, Utah State University, Seattle pacific University and Berklee College of Music. In addition to providing life-changing music therapy services, Jodi lends her expertise to community projects such as the Sing Here Now community choir for persons living with dementia, and the Music Now! program that brings Oregon Symphony musicians and music engagement to assisted living homes. A recipient of the 2007 Betty Isern Howery Award for professional excellence, Jodi is committed to informing the public about the power of music and increasing people’s awareness of how they can use music to promote their own health and access to music therapy for those they care for.

“Those who have met Jodi know first hand that her heart, compassion, and joie de vivre knows no bounds.” Staff Facebook post

“It is difficult for me to impart fully enough Jodi’s beautiful spirit. She is truly one of those persons who light up a room with her presence and can make everyone feel at ease with her gifts of sharing and bringing out in others the deeply human capacity for music.” Mary Ruhl, Manzanita resident

Join us to explore the value of music for yourself and your loved ones.

The Art of Aging/Art of Dying series will host featured speaker Barb Hansen,
CEO of the Oregon Hospice and Palliative Care Association Admission for the event is $5.

End-of-life care decisions can be difficult to discuss. Gathering information ahead of time can reduce stress and help us make informed decisions. Waiting until you need services like hospice adds extreme stress to already stressful times.

What exactly is hospice care?

Do all hospices provide identical services?

How do I choose a hospice that is right for me, a family member or a friend

Come learn about the ins and outs of hospice care and have your questions answered by an expert in the field.

Barb Hansen has over 30 years of experience in Hospice, Home Health, Palliative Care and Hospice House operations. She was the 2014 recipient of the Oregon Hospice Association’s Elizabeth Wessinger Award, which honors excellence in hospice and palliative care in the state. In her current role, Barb works to support Hospice and Palliative Care providers in Oregon and Washington and serves as a resource to residents of both states who seek information about end-of-life care options.

The Art of Aging/Art of Dying Series is a program of the Hoffman Center of the Arts and will be held at the Hoffman Center (across from Manzanita Library at 594 Laneda Ave). For more information contact Paula Sansum, psansum@gmail.com

The Art of Aging Series presents:
HOLISTIC ESTATE PLANNINGTuesday, May 9, 2017 | 3pm to 5pmHoffman Center for the Arts

Our local estate planning attorney, Sarah Smyth McIntosh of Law Manzanita, will discuss “Holistic Estate Planning” Admission for the event is $5.00.

Sarah will offer a workshop ona different perspective on estate planning – it’s not just about having a will when you die.

– it’s about your life, legacy and death, who is around you when you die and how they help you die in the manner which you desire, and how they help you fulfill your life’s legacy

— it’s about making your life’s work mean something to someone beyond yourself

— it’s about your transition from life to death

— finally it’s about who you leave behind, and their transition as well, whether it is family, close friends, villagers, or charities that represent your values

– It is about YOU, your family, your community, your life and your death.

Sarah is from Olympia, Washington and has been practicing law for over thirty years. She established her branch office in Manzanita, Oregon in 2010, and is licensed to practice in both Washington and Oregon. She has been active in the village of Manzanita since coming here with her family over the last 20 years. Her branch office, Law Manzanita, is located within a Gallery space located at 144 Laneda Ave across from the San Dune Pub. She has exclusive use of the gallery space during the week, to maintain absolute confidentiality for her clients. The space provides a more calming environment than a traditional office space, which helps her clients relax. Sarah makes estate planning less of a chore and more of an exercise of assessing one’s own legacy and putting it in perspective.

“Sarah is very personable. She helped us walk through the maze of estate planning laws and made it much easier and more satisfying than we ever thought possible. We really appreciated her caring, and calming influence, as we learned how to navigate through the process, and reconcile our individual differences for how we wanted our estate managed during out lives and after our death“ – Local resident and client

Growing up on the Puget Sound, Sarah acquired a love for the sea which eventually drew her to the Oregon coast and Manzanita. Sarah has her undergraduate degree from University of Washington, and her law degree from University of Puget Sound (now Seattle University). She has served as General Counsel for her family’s sawmill business, and also General Counsel for a small community bank in Olympia. She has practiced in the areas of business, real estate, development, finance, land use and estate planning, as well as succession planning for family businesses.

Sarah is married to Gary McIntosh, and they raised three children together visiting Manzanita every summer for over 20 years, until they finally purchased a second home and then she established a second office in Manzanita. She has served on the Manzanita Business Alliance Board and was active in the North Tillamook County Rotary helping the organization obtain their 501(3)(c) non-profit status. She continues to volunteer for organizations to include the Lower Nehalem Community Land Trust, The Pine Grove Community Center and she is also an active sponsor of many local events such as the Mudd-Nick Foundation Auction, the Manzanita Farmers Market, Muttzanita and Manzanita Music Festival.

The Art of Aging Series is a program of the Hoffman Center for the Arts and will be held at the Hoffman Center (across from Manzanita Library at 594 Laneda Avenue.) For more information contact Tela Skinner (telaskinner@gmail.com)

Death: Ok it happens and sometimes not in a timely fashion.So NOW what? A bit of Preparation Perhaps?

Claudia Johnson, Paula Sansum, and Lane deMoll will guide us into and through a hands-on-session about what we can do now (like NOW) — you know, “just in case death happens”— because it does. The event is part of the Art of Aging/of Dying series and will be held at the Hoffman Center for the Arts in Manzanita.

There are so many stories of what folks had to do and go through after the death of a beloved. Some of us have been involved in just the last two weeks trying to piece important material together after the sudden death of a community member, searching for the wills, the numbers of relatives to call, computer passwords!

What are your stories and what must we do for the loved ones we will leave behind?

A cadre or network is emerging of those willing to help when a community member or one of our own family is caught unprepared – we’d love to expand our numbers. Would you like to get involved? It appears to be a calling….

And let’s actually write out some of those things (like how to find those wills, or papers or the phone numbers of relatives who live far away) for those who come to take care of us.

Bring pencil and paper and let’s do some work together.

Yes, actually do some work—help each other out…talk about all this — together. It matters.

Conversations like this will allow us to engage with our deaths-our own Service – and those of our community beloveds, as well as address the legacy we will leave for the living.

Claudia, Paula, and Lane have each been actively engaged, providing guidance, care and comfort for those dying and their families and their friends for many years. With varied backgrounds in ministry, health care, hospice, spiritual pursuits and service they are often called when death is calling.

Feel free to write to Claudia prior to the gathering at claudiaejohnson@gmail.com

If you’d like to be on an email list for the Art of Aging and Art of Dying announcements, email telaskinner@gmail.com

The Art of Aging/Art of Dying Series is a program of the Hoffman Center of the Arts and will be held at the Hoffman Center (across from Manzanita Library at 594 Laneda Ave). For more information contact Paula Sansum, psansum@gmail.com